BY-LAWS of the BALTIMORE BELTWAY SOCCER LEAGUE, INC.
2007/2008 Seasons

1.       FIFA RULES
The latest FIFA Rules of play shall apply except as amended or modified herein.

2.       SUBSTITUTIONS
Substitutions will be allowed as follows:

a. No limit on the number of substitutions or substitute.
b. A player who has been substituted for may return to the game.
c. Substitutions can be made only at the following times:

1) Prior to a throw-in in your favor;
2) Prior to a goal kick by either team;
3) After a goal; or
4) At half time.

d. Substitutions MUST be made:

1) After an injury, by either team, when the referee stops play, unless it is the goalkeeper.
2) Following a yellow card. The opposing team may also substitute.

3.       LENGTH OF GAME

4.       OFFICIALS
All age groups will use the three-man system with only one referee. Club linesmen may be used if less than three officials show up.

5.       LEAGUE ENTRY FEE
The league entry fee consists of payment for league operating costs. League entry fee will be determined on a seasonal basis. A separate performance bond of $500 will be required. Forfeit bonds will not be cashed unless a team forfeits a game. Teams shall also pay a separate fee to the MSYSA for registration of player passes and rostering. This fee includes medical insurance and liability insurance. No league fees will be refunded after the league deadline date, at which time the scheduling process will begin.

6.       PLAYER PASSES
Player passes will be checked by referees prior to the start of the game. Latecomers must present their passes before they enter the game. If an illegal player is used, any game in which that player is/was used will be forfeited, and the coach will be suspended for a minimum of the next played game. Any player not properly registered is considered an illegal player.

7.       EJECTIONS
A player or coach who is ejected receives a minimum of a one game suspension to be served the next played league game. Additional penalties may be levied. No appeal may be made from the one-game suspension.

8.       POINT DETERMINATION
Points shall be awarded on the following basis: three (3) points for a win and one (1) point for a tie. Division or conference winners will be determined on a points basis only.

9.       DISPOSITION OF GAME
Tie games shall stand as a tie, with no overtime to be played.

10.      FORFEIT TIME
Forfeit time is the 15 minutes after the scheduled starting time. For 11 vs. 11 games, a team is required to start a game if seven (7) players are present. For small-sided games (7 vs. 7 or 8 vs. 8), a team is required to start a game if five (5) players are present. Any team forfeiting will lose their performance bond and will be required to furnish a new bond prior to the next played game. A team receiving two forfeits will be placed in bad standing with the league.

11.      POSTPONEMENTS
Once the schedule is completed and distributed, no changes or postponements will be allowed, unless made by the league due to field closures or loss of a field. For postponements due to inclement weather or unplayable field conditions, should the entire league be cancelled, the league will designate a make-up date. However, in instances where only certain fields have been closed due to inclement weather or unplayable field conditions, it will be the responsibility of the participating teams to agree upon a date and time for a make-up game. If it is deemed by the league that any postponed game not be made up due to the unavailability of one particular team, the league reserves the right to award the points to the opposing team.

12.      INCOMPLETE GAMES
An incomplete game must be replayed in its entirety. However, should the non-completion of the game result from an act due to misconduct on the part of one or both of the teams or their management and/or fans, the BBSL Board shall decide the disposition of the game.

13.      PLAYER ROSTERS
Player rosters shall be limited to 18 players (14 players for small-sided age groups) at any one time. For teams that are U-17 and older, an expanded roster of 22 players may be used, of which you must designate 18 players for each game. Validated player rosters shall be submitted in accordance to MSYSA guidelines prior to first game. Any team that is found to not have a valid MSYSA roster will be deemed as using illegal players and will lose their performance bond.

14.      AGE DETERMINATION DATE
The age determination date will be August 1.

15.      FIELDS
Regulation fields complete with goal nets, flags and visible lines shall be required. To report field closures, the home field coordinator must notify the league through the inclement weather telephone numbers no later than 8:00 am on the morning of the game. Failure to do so may result in penalty, such as loss of home field when the game is rescheduled. Once a game has begun, the referee shall be the sole judge as to whether the field is playable. It is the responsibility of the home field coordinator to provide the field equipment as mentioned above.

16.      PROTESTS
Protests will be in accordance with the “Constitution of the Baltimore Beltway Soccer League, Inc.” Protests must be received in writing to the Protest & Appeals Committee within 48 hours of the game and must be accompanied by a fifty dollar ($50) protest fee.
NOTE: Please call (410) 256-8807 on the day of the incident to notify of your intent to register a formal written protest. Mail written protest and $50 check (made out to BBSL) to:

17.      GAME BALL
The one-ball rule is in effect. However, referees may determine that a second ball may be used when conditions warrant. A size 4 ball will be used for the U-12 age group and below. A size 5 ball will be used for the U-13 age group and above.

18.      TEAM COLORS
It shall be the responsibility of the home team to change jerseys when there is a conflict of colors.

19.      SPORTSMANSHIP
It will be the responsibility of each team’s coach to maintain control and attitude of his/her team and supporters. If control is not maintained, the referee has the authority to issue a warning, ejection or termination of game.

20.      SCHEDULING
No scheduled game will be changed by the request of any team once schedules have been distributed. The league reserves the right to modify the schedule due to circumstances beyond their control, such as unavailability of field. If any teams attempt to reschedule any game without the league’s knowledge or consent, the forfeit bond for both teams will be cashed.

21.      MISCELLANEOUS
Teams should be on opposite sides of the field from one another. For example, a team and all their respective coaches, management and spectators should be together on the same side of the field.